North Korean workers are now being chosen under direct orders from the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. This latest directive highlights Pyongyang’s plan to expand labor exports while strengthening ideological control over its citizens.
Officials in South Pyongan Province began recruiting young women after receiving new instructions earlier this month. The order targets unmarried women aged 19 to 23 for employment in seafood processing and textile factories in China.
The selection process for these North Korean workers follows a highly structured system. Authorities require candidates to meet six strict standards: good health, Party loyalty, strong work ethic, proper character, feminine appearance, and technical ability. Local officials are carefully monitoring each requirement to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, branches of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League are recommending qualified women from cities and counties across the province. These branches are rejecting anyone with questionable family backgrounds or ties to so-called “impure elements.” This practice shows how the regime continues to link social mobility to political reliability.
After compiling the candidate lists, officials plan group medical exams through December at hospitals in Pyongsong and other nearby areas. These tests will confirm who can handle the physical demands of working abroad.
Before departure, the selected North Korean workers will attend mandatory ideological training. They will study Kim Jong Un’s diplomatic leadership and learn about the Party’s global strategy. This step aims to ensure absolute loyalty before they leave the country.
Analysts note that North Korea’s labor export system remains vital for generating foreign currency. Many industries in China continue to depend on low-cost North Korean labor. However, human rights advocates criticize the program for poor working conditions and limited freedom for those sent overseas.
Despite those concerns, Pyongyang continues to rely on foreign labor agreements to support its struggling economy. Officials claim these initiatives strengthen national unity and demonstrate the country’s self-reliance in difficult times.
Looking ahead, the government plans to expand worker selection programs to other provinces. By doing so, leaders hope to maintain economic stability while tightening ideological discipline.
Ultimately, North Korean workers remain a critical tool in Pyongyang’s strategy to balance economic survival with unwavering political control.
